Proximate Analysis of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) and Telfairia pedata (oyster nut) leaves consumed in Katsina Metropolis: a comparative study

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis and Telfairia pedata are highly valued for their nutritious seeds and are consumed widely in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the potential application of their leaves was not thoroughly investigated and documented. Therefore, proximate analysis of their leaves for potential applications is sacrosanct. Samples of the leaves were obtained from the Katsina metropolis and analysed for their proximate compositions using standard analytical procedures. The result indicates that the percentage carbohydrate, crude fibres, and moisture contents values for Telfairia pedata and Telfairia occidentalis leaves were 49.23±0.79, 19.50±0.31, 62.06±0.49 and 49.44±0.55,14.68±1.04, and 71.40±0.31, respectively. The crude protein, crude fat, and ash contents were 16.04±0.51, 2.00±0.50, 13.33±0.31 and 22.45±0.50, 4.80±0.34, and 8.60±0.21 for Telfairia pedata and Telfairia occidentalis, respectively. The crude fibre and ash content were higher in Telfairia Pedata than in Telfairia Occidentalis leaves. There was no significant difference in the carbohydrate content of the leaves. However, the crude protein, moisture content, and lipid were higher in the Telfairia Occidentalis leaf. The leaves could be a good carbohydrate, protein, and dietary fibre source. However, further study is recommended on the leaves’ anti-nutrients, mineral and phytochemical analyses